2014 Review and Hopes and fears for 2015: Concha y Toro's Simon Doyle

Simon Doyle, general manager or Concha y Toro UK, reflects on the growth of its key brands, and how to step up to deliver more in 2015.

Simon Doyle of Concha y Toro UK

Simon Doyle, general manager or Concha y Toro UK, reflects on the growth of its key brands, and how to step up to deliver more in 2015.

How was 2014 for you/your business?

During 2014 we began the process of implementing our new five-year strategy, whose aim is to build our business in a sustainable, scalable and profitable way via investment in our brands. This involves (as you might imagine) an enormous amount of change and development in terms of new systems, portfolio management and new recruits to the business. Throughout all of this we have managed to grow our brands in key areas - Casillero del Diablo, Cono Sur and Trivento all saw substantial gains over 2014.

What do you think were the most significant things that happened/ issues/trends that occurred in 2014?

For us as a business, Casillero Del Diablo entering the Top 10 UK Brands for the first time was a huge milestone - and with the highest average retail price too. This is a wine brand which first topped 1 million case sales in 2012, now looking likely to top 1.5 million cases in the UK in 2014. But there were so many other highlights - the Tour de France Grand Départ tie up with Cono Sur which helped deliver an astounding 100% growth in that brand for the year amongst them, and Trivento's partnership with Premiership Rugby kicking off this autumn.

What opportunities are you most looking forward to working on in 2015?

We have done well in year one of our five-year plan; but our targets for 2015 are another step up again - we will have to be at our very best to deliver them. Thanks to thorough planning, some very exciting partnership activity and a really coherent go to market strategy I'm confident that our team will be in good shape to tackle the challenge.

What are the biggest challenges facing the trade in 2015?

The usual suspects - duty and the adverse attitudes held by some towards the drinks sector in general. We support and applaud the WSTA led by Miles Beale as they seek to carry on the great work they achieved with 'Call time on duty' in 2014.

Who are the people/companies/retailers to watch in 2015?

It will be interesting to follow the progress of Bibendum PLB and if that sees more consolidation across the supply base to the major retailers. This is a very competitive & fragmented low margin sector, so I would expect to see more important changes in the coming year